Please tell us about your latest exhibitions and commissions.
My work at Insitu/Fabienne LeClerc, is about how things can change meaning when given a different context. There are 2 objects in the exhibition, one is made of concrete, the other of cork (liege) they can be looked at as 2 abstract objects or used as a desk and table, I am interested in creating a seamlessness between life and art. Included in this equation is the interjection of 2 different kinds of landscape material, one forest one cactus which are used to project the viewer into an alternative environment .
The exhibition also includes designs for Houses and a series of computer generated images. The entire exhibition can be thought of as how an object can become macroscopic and microscopic simultaneously .
Concurrently I have an exhibition at La Conservera, Centro d’arte Contemporaneo in Murcia Spain until the end of March, of a 11x6x12 meter Birdhouse that invites the audience to enter a cage within a cage surrounded by dozens of birds in a manufactured landscape.
You recently designed your first set for the Donizetti opera La Favorite in Paris. What was the process like and how did it differ from other projects you have worked on?
I worked on the designs for the opera sets for 2 years using architecture, color and light to function as a metaphoric device to tell a story. Commonplace objects are added to give the audience a familiar reference, and virtual images are employed to guide the viewer from the literal to the abstract. I am used to making my own work or having someone fabricate my work with my specifications. I spent 2 years living in my own aesthetic of how the opera should be played out” which in some cases was different than the vision of my colleagues.
You have worked on a number of projects in Paris and in France. Can you tell us about them and where they are?
The built projects are:
Drink/Sleep a 2-part project for Le Jardin des Deux Rives commissioned by City of Strasbourg;
GreenHouse a-mobile library,accueil and video space for Centre des Livres D’Artistes Saint-Yrieux La Perche;
Living Spaces for Institut des Jeunes Sourds et Aveugles de Marseille (IRSAM) Marseille; En Route a social space for students at theUniversity of Paris 8; Nomadic House, a mobile living space for an artist residency program commissioned by ART3, Valence; Adolescent Playground -a social space for College Daubigny D'Auvers-sur-Oise; Mobile Display Unit for the display of information for French Institute of Architects commissioned bycaisse des depots; Biblioteque Mobile -traveling library produced by l'Observatoire Marseille FR/Fabrique Sensible,Arles; Camouflage -a Metrobus station for SIVOM Rouen
I have also designed proposals that have not been built for Place D’Italie Paris; Police Station for Bobigny; SMAT-Metro Toulouse ; University of Toulon; University of Rennes
What are some of the challenges designing for public spaces?
Finding a way to insert an intervention into a public space that makes sense for the context of the community and also for myself.
What differences do you see between the U.S. and Europe in how they each perceive artists and how they are treated?
Artists in the US are generally supportive of each other, therefore one feels as if they are a part of a community. I have a sense that, generally speaking, that is not the case for artists in Europe who might be more competitive with each other.
What other artists working today do you like?
I like different people’s
work for different reasons…which does not necessarily mean that they are my
favorite artists..
What would be your dream project that you haven’t done yet?
Build a House. 3 of which are currently on exhibit at the galerie.
La Favorite is playing on February 14, 17, and 19 at the Theatre des Champs Elysees,15 Ave. Montaigne, 75008 http://www.theatrechampselysees.fr/opera/opera-mis-en-scene/la-favorite
Andrea Blum/Still-Life exhbition is being shown till February 16 at Insitu/Fabienne LeClerc, 6 rue de Lodi, 75006 http://www.insituparis.fr/expositions.html
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
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